It took a debate disaster and a pressure campaign led by Pelosi. But at the DNC, Biden finally kept his promise to be a bridge to the Democratic Party’s future.

The president’s praise for Harris’ candidacy was a huge part of his address. And it came after Democratic tumult over his candidacy threatened to weaken the party as they once again face the prospect of another Trump presidency.

But on Monday (and stretching into early Tuesday in Eastern time), Biden sought to tie Harris to everything from strengthening unions to boosting investments in public safety. He also spoke of his desire to “end” the conflict in Gaza by instituting a cease-fire, and gave a nod to protestors who have relentlessly pressured Democratic leaders on the issue.

Biden projected unity during his speech, an act that’ll surely further endear him to Democrats — who overwhelmingly view him favorably on a personal level — but still felt that another candidate would be a better messenger for the moment.

Harris is now that candidate, and Biden is going all in to support her campaign.

A longtime vision, upended

Before entering the Oval Office, Biden had long aspired to the presidency.

In 1973, he assumed his seat as a US senator from Delaware, and held the role until he became vice president under Barack Obama in 2009.

During that time, Biden ran for president in 1988 and 2008, faltering in each contest but never giving up on the idea. He wanted to run in 2016, but said he was discouraged from doing so by Obama, who was keen on former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s candidacy.

Biden in 2020 won the Democratic presidential nomination and later that year unseated Trump. As he signed into law major pieces of legislation like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, he envisioned his presidency as a transformational one that could do even more in a second term.

Voter concerns over the economy and immigration played a major role in the erosion of his poll numbers over the past two years, which also threatened down-ballot Democratic candidates. And the debate with Trump eventually paved the way for Harris’ ascension.

Biden is set to leave Chicago after his speech and forgo the additional days at a convention that had long been planned around his candidacy.

The president’s goal of a second term is now a thing of the past. But his speech showed that he’s not going to let anyone else define his legacy, no matter what the future may hold.